For the first time in its history, the Edmonton Valley Zoo is honouring its animals for Day of the Dead – or Día de los Muertos. Zookeepers have created an elaborate Mexican ofrenda, an altar to cherish the memories of more than 100 animals that have died at the river valley zoo since its opening in 1959. It’s not your usual ofrenda, which typically features photos of humans in our lives who have died. But on Oct. 27 each year, Día de los Muertos honours our pets and important animals. For the zoo, that’s creatures like 27-year-old Cactus the porcupine, who died last year and was known for her love of corn on the cob. Snacks, toys and written tributes sit beside photos of the animals to show what made each of them special. “She was known as a very lovable and very charming little porcupine,” special events coordinator Amanda Bryce said on Thursday. “She had the biggest nose, and she loved to steal fruit because she was in with the sloths.” Bryce says the altar has become an emotional experience for those involved – especially zookeepers. “Animal grief is a very real form of grief, and it’s not always given the time and space to be felt … Our zookeepers work very closely with the animals. They become very much part of their family, and losing them is very, very difficult,” she said. “This ofrenda gives them that space to honour that relationship.” The ofrenda was created in collaboration with the Mexican Society of Edmonton. Until Sunday, visitors are encouraged to bring photos of their own deceased pets to add to the altar. “It’s extremely important to celebrate our pets, animals, because they’re a part of our life. Whether they’re service dogs, service animals, a horse we rode since we were babies, they’re a part of our life constantly. They’re sharing those moments with us,” Mexican Society of Edmonton board member Angelica Cruz told CTV News Edmonton. “It’s amazing to have the city so involved and the zoo so involved in our culture … We celebrate with everybody, and everybody is always welcome.” Sunday will mark the end of Day of the Dead celebrations at the zoo with a violinist and mariachi band, traditional Mexican treats and a final farewell to Edmonton’s beloved animals. “Day of the Dead is not necessarily about mourning,” Cruz added. “It’s more of a celebration of life.” With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Miriam Valdes-Carletti
